How to Make a Solar Hot Air Balloon

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Separate the 4 trash bags.

   You should be able to spread the bag open into a 3 feet (0.9 m) x 5 feet (1.5 m) sheet of plastic.
   
   Repeat this procedure for all 4 bags. , You should have a 5x6ft sheet of plastic.
   
   Attach another bag to one of the 5 feet (1.5 m) sides, and then the last bag.
   
   You should have a long, 12x5ft sheet of plastic. , You should now have a flat tube that measures 6 feet (1.8 m) x 5 feet (1.5 m). , This is Seam A.
   
   There should be a seam at the center of the new seam. ,, There should be 3 corners of the balloon. ,, The sun will keep the balloon hot and can be flown on any sunny, calm day.
   
   A small fan will work, but since this is a small balloon it is hard, especially in wind, to heat up very fast.
   
   The balloon should be triangular in shape, or a tetrahedron.
2. 2

   Step 2: Cut off the sealed end (as close to the seal as possible)

3. 3

   Step 3: and find the long edge of the folded bag that is folded several times over.

4. 4

   Step 4: Insert the blade of a pair of scissors into one of the folds and cut all the way to the other end.

5. 5

   Step 5: Join 2 bags together with masking tape

6. 6

   Step 6: along the long (5ft) side of the sheets.

7. 7

   Step 7: Join the two shorter (5ft) ends with the masking tape.

8. 8

   Step 8: Seal one of the open ends with masking tape.

9. 9

   Step 9: At the other end of this seam

10. 10

    Step 10: take the remaining open end and pull it open.

11. 11

    Step 11: Seal this opening

12. 12

    Step 12: so the seam is perpendicular to seam A.

13. 13

    Step 13: Cut about 5 inches (12.7 cm) off of one of the corners

14. 14

    Step 14: and invert the entire balloon like a sock.

15. 15

    Step 15: Use a blow dryer to inflate.

Detailed Guide

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